4.7
(522)
7,924
riders
58
rides
Mountain biking around Blithfield offers diverse trails through rolling hills and picturesque landscapes. The region is characterized by the expansive Blithfield Reservoir, ancient woodlands, and varied terrain that includes both well-paved and unpaved sections. While the reservoir itself provides scenic shoreline paths, the broader area, including nearby Cannock Chase, features a network of routes suitable for mountain bikes and e-bikes.
Last updated: May 15, 2026
4.9
(13)
198
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
5.0
(10)
146
riders
11.8km
00:55
160m
160m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.

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6
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
6
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
31.4km
01:47
210m
210m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Essex Bridge is a historic, Grade I listed packhorse bridge located at the Shugborough Estate in Staffordshire, England, which crosses the River Trent. Originally built in the 16th century, it is notable as the longest surviving packhorse bridge in Britain and was constructed for Queen Elizabeth I's use, linking the estate to nearby woodlands. It is one of the oldest bridges in England that has not been altered. The bridge is situated over the River Trent near Great Haywood and is an integral part of the Shugborough Estate, a National Trust property. It was built around 1550 by the Earl of Essex for a visit from Queen Elizabeth I so she could access hunting grounds on the other side of the river. It is the longest surviving packhorse bridge in Britain, with 14 of its original 40 arches still intact today. The bridge is a Grade I listed monument and is one of the oldest un-altered bridges in England. source: internet
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Great place to ride. It's on my doorstep but definitely worth visiting no matter how far you are away.
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Perrys Trails is brilliant fun, not too challenging, not too hilly. Just nice.
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Originally called 'Hangmans stones' installed in 1954. The stones were originally from Stafford Prison where they formed the steps to the prison gatehouse where the condemned prisoners were hanged on the flat roof.
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There are over 50 mountain bike trails around Blithfield, offering a diverse range of experiences for cyclists. The area features a mix of terrain, from well-paved sections to more challenging unpaved paths, catering to various skill levels.
The trails around Blithfield offer a good range of difficulty. You'll find approximately 18 easy routes, 37 moderate routes, and 4 more difficult options. This variety ensures there's something for everyone, from beginners to experienced riders.
Yes, Blithfield offers several family-friendly mountain bike trails, particularly those with mostly well-paved surfaces. For an easy ride suitable for families, consider routes like View of Shugborough Hall β Essex Bridge loop from Great Haywood, which is 31.4 km long and features gentle terrain.
The terrain around Blithfield is varied. You can expect rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and paths that hug the reservoir shoreline. Some routes feature mostly well-paved surfaces, while others may be unpaved and more challenging, especially in areas like the broader Cannock Chase region.
The Blithfield area is rich in natural beauty. You can ride past the expansive Blithfield Reservoir, explore ancient woodlands, and discover wildflower meadows. Some trails feature boardwalks over wetland areas. Notable highlights include the Blithfield Reservoir Causeway, offering stunning views across the water, and Stony Brook Pools.
While specific official mountain biking rules for Blithfield Reservoir are managed by South Staffs Water, it's generally advisable to respect wildlife, stay on marked paths, and be mindful of other visitors. For detailed policies, it's best to check the official Blithfield Reservoir website or signage on-site.
The trails around Blithfield are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 400 reviews. Mountain bikers often praise the varied terrain, the scenic views of the reservoir, and the peaceful atmosphere of the ancient woodlands.
For a longer and more challenging ride, consider The Butts Trig Point β Sherbrook Stepping Stones loop from Rugeley Trent Valley. This moderate 35.8 km trail leads through forest and open areas, with an elevation gain of over 350 meters, typically taking around 3 hours to complete.
Yes, many of the mountain bike trails around Blithfield are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Are We There Yet? Trail β Cannock Chase Forest Trailhead loop from Colwich is a popular 19.6 km loop exploring the varied terrain of Cannock Chase Forest.
Mountain biking around Blithfield can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Spring brings vibrant wildflower meadows, while autumn showcases the changing colors of the ancient woodlands. Some unpaved sections might be muddy after heavy rain.
Yes, the network of trails around Blithfield and the broader region, including nearby Cannock Chase, accommodates both traditional mountain bikes and e-bikes. The diverse terrain, from well-paved paths to more challenging sections, makes it suitable for e-bike riders looking for assistance on climbs or longer distances.
While Blithfield Reservoir itself offers trails, for dedicated bike park facilities and trailheads, you might look towards nearby Cannock Chase. The Cannock Chase Forest Trailhead is a key hub, and you can also find specific trails like the Monkey Trail there.


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